David Mckenny

David is a musician, puppeteer, workshop leader and Chairman of Pulse Arts CIC. Graduating from the unique SOAS Music BA, Community Music programme at Goldsmith’s College and ISI Surakarta, David has developed music programmes in schools, prisons, hospitals and community settings. He is a gamelan tutor and player at the Southbank Centre and plays regularly with SBGP, Lila Cita and Rhythms of the City. David completed the first OPUS Music in Healthcare Apprenticeship and founded Pulse Arts to bring to bring this unique practice to London and East Anglia. In his spare time he designs computer software with his Dad.

“Making music in hospitals is one of the most rewarding artistic experiences I have ever had. It brings out the best in myself and the people I meet.”

— David Mckenny

Joe Danks

Joe Danks is a freelance musician, workshop leader and songwriter based in South East London. Joe completed his apprenticeship in community arts at Nottingham Music Service in 2014 and works nationally facilitating and teaching music in community settings. Joe is primarily a percussionist and has studied Drum Kit, Bodhrán and Orchestral Percussion. Joe tours internationally as a member of contemporary folk band Ranagri. Current and past employers include Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, Shakesepeare's Globe and the English Folk Dance & Song Society.

Joe started training in Music in Healthcare settings in 2013, engaging in a ten week course with OPUS Music CIC at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham. He was then selected - alongside David McKenny - to train on the first OPUS Music apprenticeship, and was based at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. In 2015 Joe became a Director of Pulse Arts CIC, and now delivers and manages a programme of Music In Healthcare practice in London and the South East.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds for Pulse, and looking forward to making more music in this challenging and rewarding setting.”

— Joe Danks, December 2015

Mel Draisey

Mel is a multi instrumentalist and singer, and began working with Pulse Arts in January 2017. Mel began her musical journey at the age of five, completing her classical qualifications on violin and piano. She then moved into the world of rock, pop and indie music and is best known for being a member of The Clientele and Le Volume Courbe. She has toured extensively in the U.S, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Over the years Mel has toured, recorded, collaborated and performed with many other artists including Primal Scream, Peter Bjorn & John, Angus Stone, MC5, The Fleet Foxes and My Bloody Valentine. Mel is currently performing, writing and recording in her psychedelic and sunny folk band Thank Pablo and on her own solo projects. Far beyond her love of performance, Mel’s passion is for improvisation and collaboration - her true joy is to involve other people in the magic of music together.

“When I heard about Pulse Arts and the amazing work they do, I was desperate to get involved. I can’t wait to see what the journey has in store.”

— Mel Draisey, January 2017

Photos Taken At Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and Great Ormond St Hospital In Partnership With CW+ and Go Create! Respectively